The first time you are sending me anything, will you please send me the Ollendorf method which I have had a chance to try here, and which I think preferable to that of your teacher? Send with it the corrected exercises, which form a separate volume, and which will also be my teacher. Embrace our darlings tenderly for me, your parents, all whom you see, and receive the affectionate kisses of your devoted ALFRED. * * * * * 1895--1896--1897--1898. ILES DU SALUT. _Tuesday, 12 March, 1895._ My dear Lucie: Thursday, the 21st of February, some hours after your departure, I was taken to Rochefort and put on shipboard. I shall not speak to you of my voyage; I was transported in the manner in which the vile scoundrel whom I represent deserved to be transported. It was only just. They could not accord any pity to a traitor, the lowest of blackguards; and as long as I represent this wretch I can only approve their conduct. My life here must drag itself out under the same conditions. But your heart can tell you all that I have suffered--all that I suffer. I live only through the hope in my soul of soon seeing the triumphant light of my rehabilitation. That is the only thing that gives me strength to live. Without honor a man is not worthy of life. On the day of my departure you assured me that the truth would surely come soon to light. I have lived during that awful voyage, I am living now, only on that word of yours--remember it well. I have been disembarked but a few minutes, and I have obtained permission to send you a cablegram. I write in haste these few words, which will leave on the 15th by the English mail. It solaces me to have a talk with you, whom I love so profoundly. There are two mails a month for France--the 15th the English, and the 3d the French mail. And in the same way there are two mails a month for the Isles--the English mail and the French mail. Find out the days of their departure and write to me by both of them. All that I can tell you more is that if you want me to live have my honor given back to me. Convictions, whatever they may be, do nothing for me; they do not change my lot. What is necessary is a decision which will reinstate me.